BRIDGEPORT– “The key lesson of #Advent reminds us that God is always and forever coming into our lives, inviting us to draw closer to Him,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano in his Facebook Advent reflection.
To help you and your families celebrate Advent well this year, the Institute for Catholic Formation, under the leadership of Dr. Patrick Donovan, has put together the best resources it could find and categorized them for an easy search.
Dr. Donvan said that the Advent Season is a very special time of year that sometimes gets lost in the bright lights of the Christmas season it precedes.
The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical (or church) calendar and begins a four-week period of preparation in anticipation of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas.
“This year, when so much in our world has changed, make a commitment to celebrate Advent with your family by performing acts of service and love from day one. Use the Institute for Catholic Formation’s Advent Calendar as a guide,” said Dr. Donovan.
The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation.
“Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas,” he said.
For 2021, make Advent special in your family.
 2021 ADVENT – ENGLISH |
 2021 ADVENT – SPANISH |
